Tennessee Research Tips

These tips will help you as you research your ancestors in Tennessee.

Birth information Statewide registration of births began in 1914 in Tennessee with general compliance by 1927. The best substitute record for locating birth information is death records (the majority of death records will list the date of birth of the decedent, and since death certificates are considered a primary resource, they can provide you with the same documentation as a birth certificate). Or, try these other substitute records.

Finding Parents Statewide registration of deaths began in 1914 in Tennessee with general compliance by 1936. They often will list the parents of the deceased and their birth information. Search Tennessee death records

Look in all censuses Always look for your ancestor in every possible census. There are clues regarding immigration, naturalization, and occupation that can lead to other records. Sometimes parents can be found living with their children later in life. Search U.S. Censuses.

Tennessee Record Finder

This Record Finder is designed to help you determine the best record to search for the type of information you are looking for. It is most helpful for post-1850 research.